1926 Harley Davidson JD Motorcycle Harley introduced the first of its Model J, F-head, V-twin motorcycles in 1915. The first model had a 61 cubic inch, two-cylinder engine, a three-speed transmission and electric lighting. The Harley Model Js proved to be quite successful and the company continued production through 1929, continuously making refinements and improvements along the way. For the 1926 model year, Harley offered four models in the J series: the 61 cubic inch J Solo & JS Sidecar which retailed at $315, and the larger and more expensive 74 cubic inch JD Solo and JDS Sidecar which sold for $335. 3,749 of the smaller J motorcycles were sold and 9,544 of larger and more expensive JDs were built and sold this year. 1926 was the first year Harley offered a muffler cutout to deflect the exhaust gasses away from the rider. These models also featured a handlebar mounted switch panel with a keylock and control levers.

This barn find Model JD dates from 1926. By 1926, the JD had become quite advanced compared to its predecessors and offered the latest refinements, which would be carried through into the final production year of 1929. Having just been removed from long-term storage, this desirable JD is incompletely unrestored condition. The key mechanical components such as the frame, front fork, engine, transmission and driveline appear to be mostly complete and in restorable condition. These components still retain lots of original paint and appear to be in good, solid condition, although certainly in need of mechanical and cosmetic restoration. On the crankcase, the engine is clearly stamped with the numbers 26JD12964, which indicates that it is indeed a desirable JD model from 1926.

The original 74 cubic inch, V-twin engine has been frozen from sitting for many years but appears to be mostly complete with the exception of some minor ancillary items. The three-speed transmission and shifter assembly are intact as is the chain drive assembly. Both wheels also appear to be correct for a 1926 model and look to be in solid, restorable condition. The frame assembly still wears some of its original paint, which is certainly well-worn but has a charming look about it. The gas tank has its fair share to dents and dings as do both fenders. It appears that some of the parts were removed at some point and re-attached to the frame using modern hardware. The seat assembly appears to be correct and original with remains of what is likely to be the original leather covering. The front fork assembly appears intact. On the top of the handlebars is the original dash panel with its two push button controls and the ammeter. The headlamp assembly is missing as well as some of the throttle and control linkages.

This desirable 1926 Harley Davidson JD offers the next owner a variety of options. Most likely, this motorcycle would be a solid basis for a complete restoration. Another option would be to restore the mechanical components and preserve the original cosmetic surfaces. In todays marketplace, very few pre-WWII motorcycles exist that have not been restored. This rare and unrestored 1926 JD is certainly an exciting and worthwhile project that will give its new owner future rewards.